Wylie Library warns interlibrary loan and several online resources may be cut if state and federal subsidies lapse

At its April meeting, Wylie Library staff told the Wylie Library Advisory Board that uncertainty over federal funding and proposed state bills could force the library to reduce or charge for services patrons now use free.

Library staff said the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) has effectively been shut down for the moment, placing at-risk state subsidies administered through the Texas State Library and Archives Commission (TSLAC) that help pay for the interlibrary loan courier and several subscription databases. "The reason that poses a problem for us is that they provide grants for the Texas State Library that helps pay for some of our services," the staff member said. "We did over, I wanna say, 2,500 interlibrary loans last year or the year before last and I think it was closer to 2,000 last year."

Why it matters

The library relies on TSLAC subsidies to provide statewide resources that would be unaffordable for a single municipal library. Staff told the board the interlibrary loan reimbursement runs a little over $4,000 and that loss of that funding would probably mean ending the service unless the city or patrons pick up the cost.

What staff told the board

Staff said TSLAC expects to cover interlibrary loan reimbursement for the current fiscal year but expressed uncertainty about next year. "If TSLAC can't provide the grant, and then the city decides they don't wanna fund that, that service just goes away," the staff member said. Library staff said they are monitoring weekly TSLAC updates and will include a request in the library's city budget, due May 16, while noting the city directed only a 3% average-growth target for departments.

Staff discussed digital databases separately. They identified Udemy as the most-used licensed database and said TSLAC is negotiating with vendors to secure special rates for Texas libraries if federal grant money is not restored. "Udemy is by far the biggest, most popular one of all the ones that they help us pay for," the staff member said. Staff warned that if subsidies disappear the library may have to choose a much smaller set of databases or reassign subscription dollars among services such as Ancestry, Pronunciator and Hoopla.

Options under consideration

Library staff told the board they have discussed several stopgap measures: asking partners such as the Wylie Economic Development Corporation to reassign sponsorships; reinstating per-card limits on interlibrary loans; or charging patrons a fee for individual interlibrary loan requests. "A lot of libraries are moving to them, so that could be an option," the staff member said when asked about fees. The board was not asked to take formal action during the meeting; staff said they will update the board after budget negotiations with the city manager.

Legislative context

Staff also told the board about introduced state bills that would impose new restrictions and penalties on library collections. The staff member named Senate Bill 2101 and House Bill 3225 as proposals seeking age-verification measures, annual collection review procedures and civil penalties related to certain materials. Staff also cited House Bill 267, which the staff said removes a prior protection for librarians and educators; the bills were described as introduced and having had at least one public hearing, not as enacted law.

Votes at a glance

- Motion to approve minutes of the Feb. 24 meeting as presented — mover: not specified in transcript; outcome: approved (vote tally not specified in the record). - Motion to adjourn — mover and seconder not identified in the transcript; motion passed, 4 yes, 0 no.

Ending

Staff said they will report back at the next scheduled meeting after meeting with the city manager and as more information becomes available from TSLAC and vendors. "I'll let you know what they know," the staff member said.